Heat Exchanger System with Flexible Bag

ABSTRACT

A bag assembly for use with a heat exchanger includes a flexible bag having of one or more sheets of polymeric material, the bag having a first end that bounds a first compartment and an opposing second end that bounds a second compartment, a support structure being disposed between the first compartment and the second compartment so that the first compartment is separated and isolated from the second compartment. A first inlet port, a first outlet port, and a first drain port are coupled with the flexible bag so as to communicate with the first compartment. A second inlet port, a second outlet port, and a second drain port are coupled with the flexible bag so as to communicate with the second compartment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/374,689, filed Dec. 9, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/017,354, filed Feb. 5, 2016, U.S. Pat. No.9,528,083, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/088,140, filed Nov. 22, 2013, U.S. Pat. No. 9,284,524, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/900,383, filed May 22,2013, U.S. Pat. No. 9,127,246, which is a divisional of U.S. applicationSer. No. 12/710,127, filed Feb. 22, 2010, U.S. Pat. No. 8,455,242, whichare incorporated herein by specific reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to bag assemblies and heat exchangersystems that incorporate the bag assemblies.

2. The Relevant Technology

Bioreactors are used in the growth of cells and microorganisms.Conventional bioreactors comprise a rigid tank that can be sealedclosed. A drive shaft with propeller is rotatably disposed within thetank. The propeller functions to suspend and mix the culture. A spargeris mounted on the bottom of the tank and is used to deliver gas to theculture to control the oxygen content and pH of the culture.

Great care must be taken to sterilize and maintain the sterility of thebioreactor so that the culture does not become contaminated.Accordingly, between the production of different batches of cultures,the mixing tank, mixer, and all other reusable components that contactthe culture must be carefully cleaned to avoid any cross contamination.The cleaning of the structural components is labor intensive, timeconsuming, and costly. For example, the cleaning can require the use ofchemical cleaners such as sodium hydroxide and may require steamsterilization as well. The use of chemical cleaners has the additionalchallenge of being relatively dangerous to use and cleaning agents canbe difficult and/or expensive to dispose of once used.

In addition to being labor intensive to clean, conventional bioreactorshave operational shortcoming. For example, as a result of the need forsparging the culture within the container, gas collects at the upper endof the container. To maintain the system within a desired operatingpressure, a portion of the gas must be periodically or continuouslyremoved without jeopardizing the sterility of the system. This istypically accomplished by venting the gas out through a filter. However,such filters can often become temporarily plugged as a result ofmoisture from the gas condensing within the filter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed withreference to the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system for mixing and spargingsolutions and/or suspensions, the system having a condenser;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mixer of the system shown in FIG. 1coupled with a container;

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the mixer shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a drive shaft and impeller assembly of themixer shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of condenser system;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the condenser of the condenser systemshown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the condenser body shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the core of the condenser body shown inFIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a back perspective view of the condenser body shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a transfer system of the condensersystem shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a condenser bag of the transfer systemshown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the transfer system shown in FIG. 10coupled with the condenser shown in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the opposing side of the system shownin FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to systems and methods for mixing andsparging solutions and/or suspensions and heat exchanger systems thatare used therewith. The systems can be commonly used as bioreactors orfermenters for culturing cells or microorganisms. By way of example andnot by limitation, the inventive systems can be used in culturingbacteria, fungi, algae, plant cells, animal cells, protozoans,nematodes, and the like. The systems can accommodate cells andmicroorganisms that are aerobic or anaerobic and are adherent ornon-adherent. The systems can also be used in association with theformation and/or treatment of solutions and/or suspensions that are notbiological but nevertheless incorporate mixing and sparging. Forexample, the systems can be used in the formation of media wheresparging is used to control the pH of the media through adjustment ofthe carbonate/bicarbonate levels with controlled gaseous levels ofcarbon dioxide.

The inventive systems are designed so that a majority of the systemcomponents that contact the material being processed can be disposed ofafter each use. As a result, the inventive systems substantiallyeliminate the burden of cleaning and sterilization required byconventional stainless steel mixing systems. This feature also ensuresthat sterility can be consistently maintained during repeated processingof multiple batches. In view of the foregoing, and the fact that theinventive systems are easily scalable, relatively low cost, and easilyoperated, the inventive systems can be used in a variety of industrialand research facilities that previously outsourced such processing.

Depicted in FIG. 1 is one embodiment of an inventive system 10incorporating features of the present invention. In general, system 10comprises a container 12 that is disposed within a rigid support housing14 and that is fluid coupled with a condenser system 16. Condensersystem 16 is also referred to herein as a heat exchanger system. A mixer18 is designed for mixing and/or suspending components within container12. The various components of system 10 will now be discussed in greaterdetail.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, support housing 14 has asubstantially cylindrical sidewall 20 that extends between an upper end22 and an opposing lower end 24. Lower end 24 has a floor 26 mountedthereto. Support housing 14 has an interior surface 28 that bounds achamber 30. An annular lip 32 is formed at upper end 22 and bounds anopening 34 to chamber 30. Floor 26 of support housing 14 rests on a cart36 having wheels 38. Support housing 14 is removable secured to cart 36by connectors 40. Cart 36 enables selective movement and positioning ofsupport housing 14. In alternative embodiments support housing 14 neednot rest on cart 36 but can rest on a floor or other structure.

Although support housing 14 is shown as having a substantiallycylindrical configuration, in alternative embodiments support housing 14can have any desired shape capable of at least partially bounding acompartment. For example, sidewall 20 need not be cylindrical but canhave a variety of other transverse, cross sectional configurations suchas polygonal, elliptical, or irregular. Furthermore, it is appreciatedthat support housing 14 can be scaled to any desired size. For example,it is envisioned that support housing 14 can be sized so that chamber 30can hold a volume of less than 50 liters or more than 1,000 liters.Support housing 14 is typically made of metal, such as stainless steel,but can also be made of other materials capable of withstanding theapplied loads of the present invention.

In one embodiment of the present invention means are provided forregulating the temperature of the fluid that is contained withincontainer 12 disposed within support housing 14. By way of example andnot by limitation, electrical heating elements can be mounted on orwithin support housing 14. The heat from the heating elements istransferred either directly or indirectly to container 12.Alternatively, support housing 14 can be jacketed with one or more fluidchannels being formed on support housing 14. The fluid channels can havean inlet and an outlet that enables a fluid, such as water or propyleneglycol, to be pumped through the fluid channels. By heating or otherwisecontrolling the temperature of the fluid that is passed through thefluid channels, the temperature of support housing 14 can be regulatedwhich in turn regulates the temperature of the fluid within container 12when container 12 is disposed within support housing 14. Otherconventional means can also be used such as by applying gas burners tosupport housing 14 or pumping the fluid out of container 12, heating thefluid and then pumping the fluid back into container 12. When usingcontainer 12 as part of a bioreactor or fermenter, the means for heatingcan be used to heat the culture within container 12 to a temperature ina range between about 30° C. to about 40° C. Other temperatures can alsobe used.

FIG. 2 shows container 12 coupled with mixer 18. Container 12 has a side55 that extends from an upper end 56 to an opposing lower end 57.Container 12 also has an interior surface 58 that bounds a compartment50 in which a portion of mixer 18 is disposed. In the embodimentdepicted, container 12 comprises a flexible bag. Formed on container 12are a plurality of ports 51 that communicate with compartment 50.Although only two ports 51 are shown, it is appreciated that container12 can be formed with any desired number of ports 51 and that ports 51can be formed at any desired location on container 12 such as upper end56, lower end 57, and/or along side 55. Ports 51 can be the sameconfiguration or different configurations and can be used for a varietyof different purposes. For example, ports 51 can be coupled with fluidlines for delivering media, cell cultures, and/or other components intoand out of container 12.

Ports 51 can also be used for coupling probes to container 12. Forexample, when container 12 is used a bioreactor for growing cells ormicroorganisms, ports 51 can be used for coupling probes such astemperature probes, pH probes, dissolved oxygen probes, and the like.Examples of ports 51 and how various probes and lines can be coupledthereto is disclosed in United States Patent Publication No.2006-0270036, published Nov. 30, 2006 and United States PatentPublication No. 2006-0240546, published Oct. 26, 2006, which areincorporated herein by specific reference. Ports 51 can also be used forcoupling container 12 to secondary containers, to condenser system 16 asdiscussed below, and to other desired fittings.

In one embodiment of the present invention, means are provided fordelivering a gas into the lower end of container 12. By way of exampleand not by limitation, as also depicted in FIG. 2, a sparger 59 can beeither positioned on or mounted to lower end 57 of container 12 fordelivering a gas to the fluid within container 12. As is understood bythose skilled in the art, various gases are typically required in thegrowth of cells or microorganisms within container 12. The gas typicallycomprises air that is selectively combined with oxygen, carbon dioxideand/or nitrogen. However, other gases can also be used. The addition ofthese gases can be used to regulate the dissolved oxygen content and pHof a culture. A gas line 61 is coupled with sparger 59 for deliveringthe desired gas to sparger 59. Gas line 61 need not pass through lowerend 57 of container 12 but can extend down from upper end 56 or fromother locations.

Sparger 59 can have a variety of different configurations. For example,sparger 59 can comprise a permeable membrane or a fritted structurecomprised of metal, plastic or other materials that dispense the gas insmall bubbles into container 12. Smaller bubbles can permit betterabsorption of the gas into the fluid. In other embodiments, sparger 59can simply comprise a tube, port, or other type opening formed on orcoupled with container 12 through which gas is passed into container 12.In contrast to being disposed on container 12, the sparger can also beformed on or coupled with mixer 18. Examples of spargers and how theycan be used in the present invention are disclosed in United StatesPatent Publication Nos. 2006-0270036 and 2006-0240546 which werepreviously incorporated by reference. Other conventional spargers canalso be used.

In the depicted embodiment, container 12 has an opening 52 that issealed to a rotational assembly 82 of mixer 18, which will be discussedbelow in greater detail. As a result, compartment 50 is sealed closed sothat it can be used in processing sterile fluids. During use, container12 is disposed within chamber 30 of support housing 14 as depicted inFIG. 1. Container 12 is supported by support housing 14 during use andcan subsequently be disposed of following use. In one embodiment,container 12 comprised of a flexible, water impermeable material such asa low-density polyethylene or other polymeric sheets having a thicknessin a range between about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm with about 0.2 mm to about2 mm being more common. Other thicknesses can also be used. The materialcan be comprised of a single ply material or can comprise two or morelayers which are either sealed together or separated to form a doublewall container. Where the layers are sealed together, the material cancomprise a laminated or extruded material. The laminated materialcomprises two or more separately formed layers that are subsequentlysecured together by an adhesive.

The extruded material comprises a single integral sheet that comprisestwo or more layers of different materials that can be separated by acontact layer. All of the layers are simultaneously co-extruded. Oneexample of an extruded material that can be used in the presentinvention is the Thermo Scientific CX3-9 film available from ThermoFisher Scientific. The Thermo Scientific CX3-9 film is a three-layer, 9mil cast film produced in a cGMP facility. The outer layer is apolyester elastomer coextruded with an ultra-low density polyethyleneproduct contact layer. Another example of an extruded material that canbe used in the present invention is the Thermo Scientific CX5-14 castfilm also available from Thermo Fisher Scientific. The Thermo ScientificCX5-14 cast film comprises a polyester elastomer outer layer, anultra-low density polyethylene contact layer, and an EVOH barrier layerdisposed therebetween. In still another example, a multi-web filmproduced from three independent webs of blown film can be used. The twoinner webs are each a 4 mil monolayer polyethylene film while the outerbarrier web is a 5.5 mil thick 6-layer coextrusion film.

The material is approved for direct contact with living cells and iscapable of maintaining a solution sterile. In such an embodiment, thematerial can also be sterilizable such as by ionizing radiation.Examples of materials that can be used in different situations aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,587 which issued on Jul. 4, 2000 andUnited States Patent Publication No. US 2003-0077466 A1, published Apr.24, 2003 which are hereby incorporated by specific reference.

In one embodiment, container 12 comprise a two-dimensional pillow stylebag wherein two sheets of material are placed in overlapping relationand the two sheets are bounded together at their peripheries to form theinternal compartment. Alternatively, a single sheet of material can befolded over and seamed around the periphery to form the internalcompartment. In another embodiment, the containers can be formed from acontinuous tubular extrusion of polymeric material that is cut to lengthand is seamed closed at the ends.

In still other embodiments, container 12 can comprise athree-dimensional bag that not only has an annular side wall but also atwo dimensional top end wall and a two dimensional bottom end wall.Three dimensional containers comprise a plurality of discrete panels,typically three or more, and more commonly four or six. Each panel issubstantially identical and comprises a portion of the side wall, topend wall, and bottom end wall of the container. Corresponding perimeteredges of each panel are seamed. The seams are typically formed usingmethods known in the art such as heat energies, RF energies, sonics, orother sealing energies.

In alternative embodiments, the panels can be formed in a variety ofdifferent patterns. Further disclosure with regard to one method ofmanufacturing three-dimensional bags is disclosed in United StatesPatent Publication No. US 2002-0131654 A1 that was published Sep. 19,2002 of which the drawings and Detailed Description are herebyincorporated by reference.

It is appreciated that container 12 can be manufactured to havevirtually any desired size, shape, and configuration. For example,container 12 can be formed having a compartment sized to 10 liters, 30liters, 100 liters, 250 liters, 500 liters, 750 liters, 1,000 liters,1,500 liters, 3,000 liters, 5,000 liters, 10,000 liters or other desiredvolumes. Although container 12 can be any shape, in one embodimentcontainer 12 is specifically configured to be complementary orsubstantially complementary to chamber 30 of support housing 14.

In any embodiment, however, it is desirable that when container 12 isreceived within chamber 30, container 12 is at least generally uniformlysupported by support housing 14. Having at least general uniform supportof container 12 by support housing 14 helps to preclude failure ofcontainer 12 by hydraulic forces applied to container 12 when filledwith fluid.

Although in the above discussed embodiment container 12 has a flexible,bag-like configuration, in alternative embodiments it is appreciatedthat container 12 can comprise any form of collapsible container orsemi-rigid container. Container 12 can also be transparent or opaque andcan have ultraviolet light inhibitors incorporated therein.

Mixer 18 is coupled with support housing 14 by a bracket 42 and can beused for mixing and/or suspending a culture or other solution. Turningto FIG. 3, mixer 18 comprises a housing 60 having a top surface 62 andan opposing bottom surface 64. An opening 66 extends through housing 60from top surface 62 to bottom surface 64. A tubular motor mount 68 isrotatably secured within opening 66 of housing 60. A drive motor 70 ismounted to housing 60 and engages with motor mount 68 so as tofacilitate select rotation of motor mount 68 relative to housing 60.

A drive shaft 72 is configured to pass through motor mount 68 and thusthrough housing 60. Turning to FIG. 4, drive shaft 72 comprises a headsection 74 and a shaft section 76 that are connected together. Mixer 18further comprises an impeller assembly 78. Impeller assembly 78comprises an elongated tubular connector 80 having rotational assembly82 secured at one end and an impeller 84 secured to the opposing end.Rotational assembly 82 comprises an outer casing 86 and a tubular hub 88rotatably disposed within outer casing 86. As depicted in FIG. 2, outercasing 86 is secured to container 12 so that tubular connector 80 andimpeller 84 extend into compartment 50 of container 12.

During use, container 12 with impeller assembly 78 secured thereto arepositioned within chamber 30 of support housing 14. Rotational assembly82 is then removably connected to bottom surface 64 of housing 60 ofmixer 18 so that hub 88 is aligned with motor mount 68. The distal endof the assembled drive shaft 72 is advanced down through motor mount 68,through hub 88 of rotational assembly 82, and through tubular connector80. Finally, the distal end of drive shaft 72 is received within asocket on impeller 84 so that rotation of drive shaft 72 facilitatesrotation of impeller 84.

With drive shaft 72 engaging impeller 84, a driver portion 90 (FIG. 4)of drive shaft 72 is received within and engages hub 88 so that rotationof draft shaft 72 also rotates hub 88. Because outer casing 86 issecured to housing 60, hub 88 rotates relative to casing 86 and housing60 as drive shaft 72 is rotated. It is further noted that tubularconnector 80 also rotates concurrently with impeller 84, hub 88 anddrive shaft 72.

Finally, once drive shaft 72 is fully passed through motor mount 68,head section 74 of drive shaft 72 engages motor mount 68. Accordingly,as motor 70 facilitates rotation of motor mount 68, motor mount 68facilitates rotation of drive shaft 72. In turn, as discussed above,drive shaft 72 facilitates rotation of hub 88, connector 80 and impeller84. Rotation of impeller 84 facilitates mixing and suspension of thefluid within compartment 50 of container 12. Further disclosure withregard to mixer 18, the operation thereof, and alternative embodimentsthereof are disclosed in United States Patent Publication No.2011-0188928 A1, published Aug. 4, 2011, in the name of Derik R. West etal. and entitled Self Aligning Coupling for Mixing System, which isincorporated herein by specific reference.

The above described mixer 18 and the alternatives thereto comprise oneembodiment of means for mixing fluid contained within container 12. Inalternative embodiments, it is appreciated that mixer 18 can be replacedwith a variety of conventional mixing systems. For example, mixer 18 canbe replaced with a conventional rigid shaft and impeller mixer thatextends through and into container 12 or a vertical reciprocating mixerthat extends into container 12. Mixer 18 can also be replaced with amagnetic mixer that includes a magnetic stir bar that is positionedwithin container 12 and a mixer disposed outside of container 12 thatrotates the stir bar. Likewise, the mixing can be produced by waveaction such as by using a rocking mixer that rocks container 12 or byusing gas mixer to mix the fluid by gas. In addition, a pump mixer canbe used to pump the fluid into and out of container 12 or withincontainer 12 which pumping action causes mixing of the fluid.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of condenser system 16. Condenser system 16functions as and, as previously stated, is also referred to herein as aheat exchanger system. Condenser system 16 is shown mounted on a cart100 having a floor 102 with wheels 104 mounted thereon. A hand rail 106upstands from floor 102 and is used for pushing cart 100. A supportstand 108 is connected to and upstands from hand rail 106 and is usedfor supporting a portion of condenser system 16.

In general, condenser system 16 comprises a condenser 110 (also referredto herein as a heat exchanger), a transfer system 112, a chiller 113,and a pump 115. Turning to FIG. 6, condenser/heat exchanger 110comprises a condenser body or body plate 114 having a substantiallyrectangular plate like configuration. Specifically, condenser body 114comprises a first side face 116 and an opposing second side face 118that both extend between a top face 120 and an opposing bottom face 122and between a front face 124 and an opposing back face 126. Side faces116 and 118 are typically planer and are typically disposed in parallelalignment. If desired, however, side faces 116 and 118 can be contouredand/or sloped relative to each other. Likewise, side faces 116 and 118need not be rectangular but can be polygonal, elliptical, irregular, orother configurations.

Turning to FIG. 7, in general condenser body 114 comprises a core 128, acover plate 130 that is removably attached to core 128 and an insulationliner 132 (FIG. 16) that generally encircles core 128. Turning to FIG.8, core 128 comprises a substantially L-shaped base plate 134 that,similar to condenser body 114, has a first side face 116′ and anopposing second side face 118′ that each extend between a top face 120′and an opposing bottom face 122′ and between a front face 124′ and anopposing back face 126′.

An elongated, fluid channel 136 forming a torturous or serpentine pathis recessed on first side face 116′ so as to extend over at least 50%and more commonly at least 70% or 80% of first side face 116′. Fluidchannel 136 starts at an inlet port 138 extending through bottom face122 and terminates at an outlet port 140 extending through bottom face122. It is appreciated that the path of fluid channel 136 can have avariety of different configurations and that ports 138 and 140 can beformed at different locations. A vent port 143 extends through top face120′ and communicates with fluid channel 136. Vent port 143 is used forremoving air from fluid channel 136 when filling fluid channel 136 withliquid and can be plugged using any conventional form of plug.

As shown in FIG. 7, cover plate 130 has an L-shaped configuration thatis complementary to first side face 116′ of core 128. Cover plate 130 isconfigured to couple with first side face 116′ by screws 141 so as toseal fluid channel 136 closed except for access through ports 138 and140. It is appreciated that a gasket or other sealing material can bedisposed between cover plate 130 and base plate 134 so as to produce afluid tight seal therebetween.

An elongated notch 142 is formed at the intersection between top face120′ and front face 124′. Notch 142 is bounded by a first face 144extending down from top face 120′ and a second face 146 extending infrom front face 124′. Core 128 further comprises a support element 148projects into notch 142 from first face 144 and second face 146. Core128 and cover plate 130 are typically comprised of a material havinghigh thermal conductivity. Preferred materials include metals such asaluminum, stainless steel, or the like. Other materials having arelatively high thermal conductivity can also be used.

As shown in FIG. 7, insulation liner 132 is configured to cover supportelement 148 within notch 142 and also covers top face 120′, bottom face122′, front face 124′, and back face 126′ of core 128. Insulation liner132 is comprised of a material that has a thermal conductivity that islower than the thermal conductivity of core 128. For example, insulationliner 132 is typically comprised of a plastic, such as polyurethane,although a variety of other materials can likewise be used. Insulationliner 132 functions in part to insulate the perimeter edge of core 128so as to better enable core 128 to maintain a desired coolingtemperature. Insulation liner 132 also serves other functions as will bediscussed below in greater detail. In alternative embodiments, however,it is appreciated that insulation liner 132 need not cover various faces120′, 122′, 124′, and/or 126′.

Returning to FIG. 6, in view of the foregoing it is appreciated thatfirst side face 116 of condenser body 114 comprises a thermal conductionportion 150 and an insulated portion 152. Insulated portion 152comprises the portion of first side face 116 that is comprised ofinsulation liner 132. Thermal conduction portion 150 has an L-shape andgenerally comprises the remaining surface of first side face 116 butmore specifically comprises the exposed face of cover plate 130 and anyexposed portion of base plate 134.

As depicted in FIG. 9, second side face 118 of condenser body 114 hassubstantially the same configuration as first side face 116. That is,second side face 118 comprises a thermal conduction portion 150′ and aninsulated portion 152′. However, in contrast to thermal conductionportion 150 which primarily comprises removable cover plate 130, thermalconduction portion 150′ of second side face 118 simply comprises theexposed portion of second side face 118′ of core 128. On both sides,however, the thermal conduction portions of the side faces have a higherthermal conductivity than the insulated portions.

As also shown in FIG. 9, a pair of spaced apart catches 156 outwardlyproject from second side face 118 adjacent to bottom face 122. Similarcatches 156 are also formed on first side face 116 adjacent to bottomface 122. Each catch 156 comprises a stem having an enlarged head formedon the end thereof. As will be discussed below in greater detail,catches 156 are used for securing a condenser bag to condenser 110 andcan have a variety of different configurations. As also shown in FIG. 9,a pair of spaced apart bolts 158A and 158B are coupled with back face126 of condenser body 114. Bolts 158A and 158B are used to securecondenser 110 to support stand 108 as shown in FIG. 13. It isappreciated that any number of conventional fastening techniques can beused for securing condenser 110 to support stand 108.

Returning to FIG. 6, condenser 110 further comprises a tensioningassembly 160. Tensioning assembly 160 comprises a pair of spaced apartposts 162A and 162B upwardly projecting from top face 120. A tensioningbar 164 extends between and slidably passes over posts 162A and B. Caps166A and B are located on top of posts 162A and B, respectively, so asto retain tension bar 164 on posts 162A and B. Finally, resilientsprings 168A and B encircle posts 162A and B, respectively, betweentensioning bar 164 and top face 120. Springs 168A and B resiliently biastensioning bar 164 away from top face 120. Again, as will be discussedbelow in greater detail, tensioning assembly 160 is used for tensioninga condenser bag that is placed on condenser 110.

Condenser/heat exchanger 110 further comprises a first door 170 hingedlymounted to first side face 116 and a second door 172 hingedly mounted tosecond side face 118. Doors 170 and 172 are also referred to herein asside plates. First door 170 comprises an inside face 174 and an opposingoutside face 176 that each extend between a top edge 178 and an opposingbottom edge 180 and between a front edge 182 and an opposing back edge184. A first notch 186 and a spaced apart second notch 188 are recessedon top edge 178 so as to extend through first door 170. Similarly, athird notch 190 is recessed on bottom edge 180 so as to extend throughfirst door 170. In the depicted embodiment, third notch 190 is centrallyformed along bottom edge 180. An elongated partition rib 192 is mountedon inside face 174 in a vertical orientation between top edge 178 andbottom edge 180. Partition rib 192 is centrally positioned on insideface 174 and has a first end 193 that terminates at a distance below topedge 178 and an opposing second end 195 that extends into third notch190.

First door 170 is hingedly mounted to first side face 116 of condenserbody 114 by a pair of spaced apart hinges 194A and B. It is appreciatedthat hinges 194A and B can have a variety of alternative configurationsand that hinges 194A and B can be replaced with other structures forsecuring first door 170 to condenser body 114. As a result of hinges194A and B, first door 170 can be selectively moved between a closedposition wherein inside face 174 of first door 170 is disposed adjacentto and in substantially parallel alignment with first side face 116 ofcondenser body 114. First door 170 can also be swung into an openposition as shown in FIG. 6. Inside face 174 of first door 170 has aconfiguration substantially complementary to first side face 116 ofcondenser body 114 so that when first door 170 is in the closedposition, first door 170 substantially covers first side face 116 exceptfor the uncovered areas exposed within notches 186, 188, and 190. Seconddoor 172 is substantially identical to first door 170, has the samecomponent mounted thereon as first door 170, and is hingedly attached tosecond side face 118 of condenser body 114 in the same manner as firstdoor 170. As such, second door 172 can also be selectively moved betweenthe open and closed position as first door 170. The components of seconddoor 172 are identified with the same reference characters as first door170 with the addition of a prime symbol, e.g., inside face 174′ of thesecond door 172 corresponds to inside face 174 of first door 170. In oneembodiment, doors 170 and 172 can be made of a transparent material suchas a transparent plastic like polycarbonate. This enables better visualmonitoring of the operation of condenser 110 during use. Alternatively,doors 170 and 172 need not be transparent.

In one embodiment of the present invention, means are provided forlocking first door 170 in the closed position and for locking seconddoor 172 in the closed position. By way of example and not bylimitation, a catch plate 196 is mounted on front face 124 andhorizontally extends beyond first side face 116 and second side face118. Openings 198A and 198B are formed at opposing ends of catch plate196.

Turning to FIG. 13, a bolt assembly 200 is mounted on outside face 176of first door 170 and second door 172. Each bolt assembly 200 comprisesa bolt housing 202 that is secured to the door and a bolt 204 that canbe slidably moved within bolt housing 202 between an advanced positionand a retracted position. With doors 170 and 172 in the closed position,bolts 204 can be moved into the advanced position so that bolts 204 passthrough opening 198A and B in catch plate 196, thereby locking doors 170and 172 in the closed position. It is appreciated that any number ofconventional locking techniques such as dead bolts, clamps, threadedfasteners, latches, and the like can be used for releasably lockingdoors 170 and 172 in the closed position.

In one embodiment of the present invention, means are provided forcooling condenser 110. By way of example and not by limitation,returning to FIG. 5 chiller 113 comprises a chiller body 205 havingdelivery line 206 and a return line 207 extending therefrom. Chiller 113can comprise a conventional, off-the-shelf recirculating chiller that isconfigured to hold a volume of fluid (typically water), chill the fluidto a desired temperature, and then circulate the fluid into and out ofchiller body 205 through delivery line 206 and return line 207,respectively. One example of chiller 113 is the Neslab RTE-221recirculating chiller produced by Thermo Fisher Scientific. Otherconventional recirculating chillers will also work.

Delivery line 206 of chiller 113 is fluid coupled with inlet port 138(FIG. 8) of condenser 110 while return line 207 of chiller 113 is fluidcoupled with outlet port 140 (FIG. 8) of condenser 110. Accordingly,during operation chiller 113 delivers a continuous stream of a fluidchilled to a desired temperature to inlet port 138 of condenser 110through delivery line 206. The chilled fluid then flows through fluidchannel 136 within condenser 110 to outlet port 140. Finally, the fluidpasses out through outlet port 140 and returns to chiller 113 throughreturn line 207. Because of the high thermal conductivity of thematerial surrounding fluid channel 136, the cooled fluid absorbs heatfrom base plate 134 so as to cool first side face 116 and opposingsecond side face 118 of condenser body 114. As a result, objectscontacting or adjacent to side faces 116 and 118 are also cooled.Chiller 113 is typically operated with the fluid passing therethroughbeing cooled to a temperature in a range between about 3° C. to about18° C. with about 3° C. to about 10° C. being more common. Othertemperatures will also work.

Other means for cooling condenser 110 can also be used. For example, thechiller can be designed to circulate a gas and can be provided with acompressor that compresses and expands the gas so that the chilleroperates as a refrigeration system that cools condenser 110. The chillercan also be designed to blow cooled air or other gases through condenser110. Other conventional chillers and systems for cooling can also beused for cooling condenser 110.

Depicted in FIG. 10 is a perspective view of transfer system 112 that isconfigured to removably couple with condenser 110. In general, transfersystem 112 comprises a condenser bag 210, a gas outlet line 212 thatextends from container 12 to condenser bag 210, a pair of gas exhaustlines 214A and 214B coupled with condenser bag 210, and a fluidcollection line 216 extending from condenser bag 210 back to container12. Condenser bag 210, condenser 110, and chiller 113 and thealternatives of each as discussed herein combine to form a “condenserassembly.” The various elements of transfer system 112 will now bediscussed in greater detail.

Turning to FIG. 11, condenser bag 210 comprises a flexible, collapsiblebag comprised of one or more sheets of polymeric material. Condenser bag210 can be comprised of the same materials and produced using the samemanufacturing methods as previously discussed above with regard tocontainer 12. In the depicted embodiment, condenser bag 210 comprises apillow type bag that is manufactured from two overlapping sheets ofpolymeric material that are seamed together around a perimeter edge 211.When viewed as a whole, condenser bag 210 comprises an elongated baghaving an inside face 218 and an opposing outside face 220 that extendbetween a first end 222 and an opposing second end 224. However,condenser bag 210 is configured to bound two separate and isolatedcompartments. To that end, condenser bag 210 can also be defined ascomprising a first condenser bag 226, a second condenser bag 228, and asupport structure 230 extending therebetween. These separate elements ofcondenser bag 210 will now be discussed in greater detail.

As with condenser bag 210, first condenser bag 226 comprises a pillowtype bag that is manufactured from two overlapping sheets of polymericmaterial that are seamed together around a perimeter edge 240. Firstcondenser bag 226 has an interior surface 254 and an opposing exteriorsurface 255. Interior surface 254 bounds a compartment 242. Exteriorsurface 255 comprises inside face 218 and opposing outside face 220,which each extend between an upper end 232 that terminates at an upperedge 233 and an opposing lower end 234 that terminates at a lower edge235. Faces 218 and 220 also extend between a first side edge 236 and anopposing second side edge 238. Edges 233, 235, 236, and 238 combine toform perimeter edge 240. Lower edge 235 has a generally V-shapedconfiguration that slopes inward to a central location. A pair of spacedapart tubular ports 244A and 244B are welded or otherwise seamed tofirst condenser bag 226 at the central location so as to be in fluidcommunication with compartment 242. In alternative embodiments, one orthree or more ports 244 can be used. Furthermore, lower edge 235 can beconfigured to slope toward any location along lower edge 235 at which aport 244 is located. As will be discussed below in greater detail, aplurality of openings 246 transversely extend through perimeter edge 240on opposing sides of tubular ports 244A and B but do not communicatewith compartment 242.

First condenser bag 226 further comprises a gas inlet port 248 formed onoutside face 220 adjacent to upper edge 233 and first side edge 236 andalso includes a gas exhaust port 250 formed on outside face 220 adjacentto upper edge 233 and second side edge 238. In contrast to ports 248 and250 being formed on outside face 220, it is appreciated that ports 248and 250 can be formed extending through perimeter edge 240 similar toports 244. It is also noted that inside face 218 is typically flatwithout any ports outwardly projecting therefrom. This enables insideface 218 to lie flush against first side face 116 of condenser 110 asshown in FIG. 12.

With continued reference to FIG. 11, a pair of spaced apart partitions252A and 252B are disposed between ports 248 and 250 and extend fromupper edge 233 toward lower edge 235. Partitions 252A and B are formedby welding or otherwise securing together the opposing polymeric sheetsforming first condenser bag 226 in substantially the same way thatperimeter edge 240 is seamed together. As such, fluid cannot passthrough partitions 252A and B but must pass around them. Illustrated indash lines is a representation of where partition rib 192 located onfirst door 17 (FIG. 6) will reside with first condenser bag 226 ismounted on condenser 110 and first door 170 is moved to the closedposition. Specifically, partition rib 192 will be disposed betweenpartitions 252A and B and will extend from lower edge 235 toward upperedge 233. Partition rib 192 presses together the opposing polymericsheets forming first condenser bag 226 so as to affect a furtherpartition within compartment 242 along the length of partition rib 192which gas and/or liquid must flow around.

As a result of partitions 252A and B and partition rib 192, compartment242 forms a fluid pathway 253 having a generally sinusoidal, serpentineor torturous configuration that extends back and forth along the heightof first condenser bag 226 from gas inlet port 248 to gas exhaust port250. As a result of adding gas into container 12 through sparger 59(FIG. 2), foam is produced at the upper end of container 12. As will bediscussed below in greater detail, this foam travels through gas outletline 212 to first condenser bag 226. By producing fluid pathway 253having a torturous configuration, the retention time that the gas andfoam remain within compartment 242 as they travel from inlet port 248 togas exhaust port 250 increases. This increased retention time along withthe configuration of first condenser bag 226 helps to break down thefoam entering first condenser bag 226 so that the liquid can beseparated from the gas. Furthermore, increasing the retention timemaximizes cooling of the gas within first condenser bag 226 whichcondenses the moisture from the gas and thereby also further enhancesseparation of liquid from the gas.

It is appreciated that the various partitions can be placed in a varietyof different locations to form a variety of different paths.Furthermore, partition rib 192 is positioned on door 170 as opposed towelding a corresponding partition directly on first condenser bag 226 soas to avoid interfering with the attachment and sealing of tubular ports244A and B. In an alternative embodiment, however, partition rib 192 canbe replaced with a welded partition in the same manner as partitions252A and B. Alternatively, partitions 252A and B can be formed by usingcorresponding partition ribs on door 170. Other convention means formaximizing the retention time of gas and foam within compartment 242 canalso be used. Alternatively, the partitions can be eliminated.

Second condenser bag 228 is substantially identical to first condenserbag 226 and thus will not be described. Like elements between firstcondenser bag 226 and second condenser bag 228 will be identified by thesame reference characters except that the reference characters forsecond condenser bag 228 will be followed by the prime symbol.

Support structure 230 connects together first condenser bag 226 andsecond condenser bag 228 between upper edges 233 and 233′ and provides aspacing between bags 226 and 228. In the embodiment depicted, supportstructure 230 simply comprises a portion of the overlying sheets thatform bags 226 and 228. In alternative embodiments, however, condenserbags 226 and 228 can be formed as two separate unconnected bags. Supportstructure 230 can then comprise straps, cord, fasteners, or any otherstructure that can connect condenser bags 226 and 228 together. In yetother embodiments, as will be discussed below in greater detail, supportstructure 230 can be eliminated and condenser bags 226 and 228 can beused separate from each other. In other alternative embodiments, it isappreciated that condenser bags 210, 226, and/or 228 can be partially orfully rigid or semi-rigid. For example, the various condenser bags cancomprise thin wall containers that are molded, such as by injectionmolding, from a plastic, composite or other materials. Such containerscould fit snug against condenser 110 and may or may not expand duringoperation. In other embodiments, condenser bags 210, 226, and/or 228 cancomprise folds, billows or other structures that permit the condenserbags to expand and contract under applied pressure.

Returning to FIG. 10, gas outlet line 212 is used to deliver humid gasand typically some foam from container 12 to condenser bag 210. Gasoutlet line 212 comprises a first end 260 that fluid couples with upperend 22 of container 12 (FIG. 1) and has an opposing second end 262.Second end 262 forks to comprise a first gas line section 264 and asecond gas line section 266. First gas line section 264 couples with gasinlet port 248 of first condenser bag 226 while second gas line section266 couples with gas inlet port 248′ of second condenser bag 228. Incontrast to having a single gas outlet line 212 that forks, it isappreciated that two separate gas outline lines can be used, i.e., oneline extending from container 12 to gas inlet port 248 and the otherline extending from container 12 to gas inlet port 248′.

Fluid collection line 216 is used to dispose of liquid that is condensedfrom the humid gas and foam delivered to condenser bag 210. Fluidcollection line 216 has a first end 280 and an opposing second end 282.Second end 282 is typically coupled with upper end 22 of container 12for returning condensate to container 12. Alternatively, second end 282can be coupled to a separate container or disposal area for collectingthe condensate. First end 280 of fluid collection line 216 forks to forma first fluid line section 284 and a second fluid line section 286. Theterminal end of first fluid line section 284 again forks and coupleswith tubular ports 244A and 244B (FIG. 11) of first condenser bag 226.Likewise, the terminal end of fluid line section 286 forks and fluidcouples with tubular ports 244A′ and 244B′ (FIG. 11) of second condenserbag 228. As with gas outline line 212, it is again appreciated that theforked fluid collection line 216 can be replaced with two separate fluidcollection line, i.e., one that couples with ports 244A and 244B and onethat couples with ports 244A′ and 244B′. Viewed from a differentperspective, flexible bag 226 (FIG. 11) can be described as having afluid inlet, i.e., port 248, and a fluid outlet, i.e., port 244A or B. Afluid, such as the humid gas within container 12, can pass out ofcontainer 12 through line 212 (FIG. 10) and into bag 226 through thefluid inlet, i.e., port 248. In turn, fluid can pass out of bag 226through the fluid outlet, i.e., port 244A or B, and then back intocontainer 12 through line 216.

Gas exhaust lines 214A and 214B are used to exhaust the gas fromcondenser bag 210 after the moisture has condensed from the gas. Ingeneral, gas exhaust line 214A has a first end that is fluid coupledwith gas exhaust port 250 of first condenser bag 226 and an opposingsecond end that exhausts to the surrounding environment. Morespecifically, gas exhaust line 214A comprises a main line 290 thatextends between a first end 294 and an opposing second end 292. Acoupling line 296 couples with main line 290 at a location between firstend 294 and second end 292 and couples with gas exhaust port 250. Afilter 298 is coupled with second end 292 of main line 290. Filter 298enables gas to exit out of main line 290 but prevents any contaminatesfrom entering first condenser bag 226 through gas exhaust line 214A.Filter 298 can also be used to remove any contaminates and/or remainingmoisture from the gas exiting main line 290 as it passes through filter298. One example of a filter that can be used is a sterilizing filterthat can remove contaminates down to 0.2 microns. Other filters can alsobe used.

In the depicted embodiment, first end 294 of main line 290 is sealedclosed. The portion of main line 290 that extends from coupling line 296to first end 294 forms a receptacle 300. Receptacle 300 is used tocollect any moisture that may condense within main line 290 or couplingline 296. To this end, it is helpful if main line 290 extends verticallyupward so that any condensed fluid naturally flows into receptacle 300.If desired, a further fluid line can couple with first end 294 andextend to a separate container, back to container 12 or back to someother location on transfer system 112. In other embodiments, receptacle300 can be eliminated or can take on a variety of other configurations.

Gas exhaust line 214B is coupled with gas exhaust port 250′ and is usedfor exhausting gas from second condenser bag 228. Gas exhaust line 214Bis substantially identical to gas exhaust line 214A with like elementsbeing referenced by like reference characters with the addition of anassociated prime symbol.

Turning to FIG. 12, during assembly condenser bag 210 is mounted oncondenser body 114 of condenser 110. Specifically, condenser bag 210 issaddled on condenser body 114 by positioning support structure 230 ofcondenser bag 210 on top of tensioning bar 164. First condenser bag 226extends down along first side face 116 of condenser body 114 whilesecond condenser bag 228 extends down along second side face 118 ofcondenser body 114. Openings 246 of first condenser bag 226 are advancedover catches 156 on first side face 116 of condenser body 114 so as tosecure condenser bag 210 to condenser body 114. Openings 246′ of secondcondenser bag 228 are similarly secured to catches 156 on second sideface 118 of condenser body 114. In so securing condenser bag 210,support structure 230 of condenser bag 210 is pulled down againsttension bar 164. As a result, condenser bag 210 is tensioned betweentensioning bar 164 and catches 156. This ensures that first condenserbag 226 and second condenser bag 228 are properly aligned and flattenedwith the corresponding inside faces thereof being disposed directlyadjacent to first side face 116 and second side face 118 of condenserbody 114. Once in this position, first door 170 and second door 172 aremoved to the closed position and then locked in place.

As previously discussed, with doors 170 and 172 in the closed position,first condenser bag 226 is compressed closed between partition rib 192and first side face 116 while second condenser bag 228 is compressedclosed between partition rib 192′ and second side face 118 of condenserbody 114. A slight gap is formed between the remainder of doors 170,172and condenser body 114 to permit condenser bags 226 and 228 to expand asthe humid gas is received therein. In one embodiment, the gap betweendoors 170,172 and condenser body 114 is typically in a range betweenabout 3 mm to about 3 cm with about 5 mm to about 15 mm being morecommon. Other gap distances can also be used. In the expanded state,however, it is desirable that condenser bags 226 and 228 bias directlyagainst first side face 116 and second side face 118 of condenser body114 so as to optimize cooling of the humid gas within condenser bags 226and 228.

Turning to FIG. 13, when doors 170 and 172 are in the closed position,gas line sections 264 and 266 extend out through notches 188 and 188′ ondoors 170 and 172, respectively, while gas exhaust lines 214A and 214Bextend out through notches 186 and 186′ on doors 170 and 172,respectively. Fluid line sections 284 and 286 couple with correspondingtubular ports 244 within notches 190 and 190′.

As also shown in FIG. 13, a bracket 308 is mounted on support stand 108above condenser 110. Gas line sections 264 and 266 are coupled tobracket 308 such as by a snap fit connection or some other mechanicalconnection. Furthermore, filters 298 are mounted to bracket 308 so as tobe elevated above condenser 110. In an alternative embodiment, it isappreciated that support stand 108 and the related components can bemounted directly to support housing 14. For example, as depicted in FIG.1, a support stand 108A is mounted to support housing 14 on whichcondenser 110 can be connected. A bracket 308A is mounted on supportstand 108A on which filters 298 and gas line sections 264 and 266 can becoupled. As perhaps best seen in FIG. 5, fluid collection line 216 iscoupled with a pump 115 for pumping fluid collected within fluidcollection line 216 back into container 12 or other desired location.Pump 115 can comprise a peristaltic pump or other type of pump.

Returning to FIG. 1, during use container 12 is positioned withinsupport housing 14 while transfer system 112 is coupled to condenser 110and pump 115. Chiller 113 is activated so to cool side faces 116 and 118of condenser body 114. It is appreciated that container 12 and transfersystem 112 are disposable components that can be easily replaced afterprocessing each batch of material. Transfer system 112 or parts thereofcan be fluid coupled with container 12 during the manufacturing processto form a closed system. The combined container and transfer system 112can then be simultaneously sterilized through radiation or otherconventional techniques. Alternatively, container 12 and transfer system112 or parts thereof can be separately formed and sterilized and thencoupled together prior to use such as in a sterile hood or by usingother sterile connection techniques. In either event, once container 12is disposed within support housing 14, drive shaft 72 of mixer 18 iscoupled with impeller assembly 78 as previously discussed. A fluidsolution and any desired components are then fed through various portsinto container 12. While mixer 18 mixes the contents within container12, sparger 59 is used to deliver a gas, such as oxygen and/or othergases, into the solution at the lower end of container 12. As the gaspasses through the solution, a portion of the gas is absorbed into thesolution. The remaining gas that is not absorbed by the fluid increasesin humidity as a result of the solution to form a humid gas thatcollects at the upper end of container 12. As previously discussed, thegas also typically forms foam at the upper end of container 12.

As the gas pressure increases at the upper end of container 12, thehumid gas and foam pass out through gas outlet line 212, travel alonggas outline line 212, and then enter first condenser bag 226 and secondcondenser bag 228 at gas inlet ports 248 and 248′, respectively. Furtherdiscussion of the process will now continue with regard to firstcondenser bag 226. However, it is appreciated that the same process isalso simultaneously occurring in second condenser bag 228. The humid gasand foam travel along fluid pathway 253 bounded within first condenserbag 226 toward gas exhaust port 250. As the humid gas and foam firstenter first condenser bag 226, they pass within the portion fluidpathway 253 disposed directly over thermal conduction portion 150 offirst side face 116 of condenser body 114. As a result of the tortuouspath and cooling of thermal conduction portion 150 by chiller 113, aspreviously discussed, the foam breaks down and the moisture within thehumid gas begins to condense so as to form a condensed fluid and adehumidified gas. The condensed fluid flows downward under gravity tolower edge 235 of first condenser bag 226. Through the use of pump 115,the condensed fluid then flows out through tubular ports 244, travelsalong fluid collection line 216 and then either dispenses back intocontainer 12 or is collected at some other location.

The humid gas continues to condense as it travels along the fluidpathway 253 until it reaches insulated portion 152 of first side face116 of condenser body 114 prior to reaching gas exhaust port 250. Thatis, fluid pathway 253 is specifically configured to pass over a sectionof insulated portion 152 before reaching gas exhaust port 250. As aresult of the fact that insulated portion 152 is insulated from thecooling of chiller 113 and thus has a temperature closer to ambienttemperature, any remaining moisture in the now largely dehumidified gasis no longer being cooled as it travels over insulated portion 152 butrather is being warmed by the surrounding environment. As a result, theformation of any further condensed fluid is minimized by the time thegas reaches gas exhaust port 250. This helps to prevent any condensatefrom exiting out through gas exhaust port 250. As the dehumidified gasexits gas exhaust port 250, it enters gas exhaust line 214 throughcoupling line 296. The gas then travels vertically upward through mainline 290. Any condensed fluid that enters or forms within gas exhaustline 214 collects in receptacle 300. The dehumidified gas then travelsupward through filter 298 and then exits to the surrounding environment.

As a result of the removal of the moisture from the humid gas, little ifany moisture is collected within filter 298. Condenser 110 thus preventsthe clogging of filter 298 by moisture that may condense within filter298. The clogging of filter 298 requires operation of the system to bestopped until the filter is replaced or sufficient moisture is removedtherefrom. For example, if filters 298 were coupled directly to theupper end of container 12 without the use of condenser 110, moisturefrom the warmed, humid gas exiting container 12 would condense as itentered the cooler filters 298. For high gas flow rates, the condensedmoisture can partially or fully plug the filters so that back pressurewithin container 12 continues to increase until it is necessary to shutdown the system so that container 12 does not fail. Accordingly, one ofthe benefits of condenser 110 is that it strips moisture from the humidgas before the moisture can condense within and clog the filter, therebyensuring continuous operation of the system. Furthermore, if desired,heaters can be applied to filters 298 to help evaporate any moisturethat may condense within filters 298. For example, electrical heatingelements can be applied to the outside surface of filters 298.

Because the fluid from within container 12 does not directly contact thesupport housing 14, condenser 110, chiller 113, or pump 115, none ofthese elements needs to be cleaned between processing of differentbatches. Rather, all that is required is the replacement of container 12and transfer system 112.

It is appreciated that condenser 110 and transfer system 112 can have avariety of different configurations. By way of example and not bylimitation, in one embodiment first condenser bag 226 and secondcondenser bag 228 need not be connected together. Rather, the upperedges of condenser bags 226 and 228 can be separately connected totensioning bar 164 such as through clamps, catches, hooks or otherconventional fasteners. Furthermore, in all of the embodiments disclosedherein it is appreciated that tensioning assembly 160 is not required.For example, condenser bags 226 and 228 can be configured so that theyare pulled flat in a static attachment on condenser 110. It is likewiseappreciated that tensioning assembly 160 can have a variety of differentconfigurations. For example, tensioning assembly 160 can be replacedwith a variety of different spring, weight, or cable systems that cantension condenser bags 226 and 228.

In other embodiments, it is appreciated that condenser 110 can beconfigured to operate with a single condenser bag. For example, secondside face 118 of condenser body 114 can be covered with insulation liner132. First condenser bag 226 can then exclusively be used against firstside face 116. It is likewise appreciated that condenser 110 can bemodified by replacing first door 170 with a second condenser body 114 sothat the first condenser bag 226 would be sandwiched between twocondenser bodies 114, thereby increasing rapid cooling of the humid gas.In still other embodiments, it is appreciated that condenser 110 neednot be in the form of a flat plate. Rather, condenser body 114 cancomprise an elongated body having a transverse cross section that iscircular, semi-circular, polygonal, oval, or irregular against whichfirst condenser bag 226 can be positioned.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1.-18. (canceled)
 19. A method for using a heat exchanger, the methodcomprising: placing a flexible bag on a body of a heat exchanger so thata first end of the flexible bag bounding a first fluid pathway isdisposed against a first side face of the body and a second end of theflexible bag bounding a second fluid pathway is disposed against anopposing second side face of the body; passing a first fluid thatcomprises at least some liquid through the first fluid pathway while thefirst end of the flexible bag is disposed against the first side face ofthe body; and passing a second fluid that comprises at least some liquidthrough the second fluid pathway while the second end of the flexiblebag is disposed against the second side face of the body.
 20. The methodas recited in claim 19, further comprising securing the flexible bag tothe body of the heat exchanger so that the first end is pushed againstthe first side face and the second end is pushed against the second sideface while the first fluid is passing through the fluid pathway and thesecond fluid is passing through the second fluid pathway.
 21. The methodas recited in claim 19, wherein the flexible bag is placed on the bodyso that a support structure disposed between the first fluid pathway andthe second fluid pathway rests on a tensioning bar, the tensioning barbeing resiliently movable on the body.
 22. The method as recited inclaim 19, further comprising: removing a gas of the first fluid from thefirst fluid pathway through an outlet port.
 23. The method as recited inclaim 22, further comprising passing the gas through a gas sterilizingfilter coupled to the outlet port.
 24. The method as recited in claim19, further comprising removing a liquid of the first fluid from thefirst fluid path through a drain port.
 25. The method as recited inclaim 19, wherein the first fluid path has a sinusoidal, serpentine, ortorturous configuration.
 26. The method as recited in claim 19, furthercomprising moving a first side plate from an open position to a closedposition so that the first side plate pushes the first end of theflexible bag against the first side face of the body of the heatexchanger.
 27. The method as recited in claim 19, passing a fluidthrough the heat exchanger so as to control a temperature of the heatexchanger.
 28. The method as recited in claim 19, wherein the firstfluid pathway is separated from the second fluid pathway.
 29. A methodfor using a heat exchanger, the method comprising: placing a flexiblebag on a body of a heat exchanger so that a first end of the flexiblebag bounding a first compartment is disposed against a first side faceof the body and a second end of the flexible bag bounding a secondcompartment is disposed against an opposing second side face of thebody; passing a first fluid into the first compartment while the firstend of the flexible bag is disposed against the first side face of thebody; and removing a liquid of the first fluid from the firstcompartment through a drain port communicating with the firstcompartment.
 30. The method as recited in claim 29, further comprising:passing a second fluid into the second compartment while the second endof the flexible bag is disposed against the second side face of thebody; and removing a liquid of the second fluid from the secondcompartment through a drain port communicating with the secondcompartment.
 31. The method as recited in claim 29, further comprisingsecuring the flexible bag to the body of the heat exchanger so that thefirst end is pushed against the first side face and the second end ispushed against the second side face while the first fluid is passinginto the first compartment.
 32. The method as recited in claim 29,wherein the flexible bag comprises a support structure disposed betweenand separating the first compartment and the second compartment.
 33. Themethod as recited in claim 32, wherein the flexible bag is placed on thebody so that a support structure rests on a tensioning bar, thetensioning bar being resiliently movable on the body.
 34. The method asrecited in claim 29, further comprising removing a gas of the firstfluid from the first compartment through an outlet port communicatingwith the first compartment.
 35. The method as recited in claim 34,further comprising passing the gas through a sterilizing gas filtercoupled to the outlet port.
 36. The method as recited in claim 29,wherein the first compartment has a sinusoidal, serpentine, or torturousconfiguration.
 37. The method as recited in claim 29, further comprisingmoving a first side plate from an open position to a closed position sothat the first side plate pushes the first end of the flexible bagagainst the first side face of the body of the heat exchanger.
 38. Themethod as recited in claim 29, passing a fluid through the heatexchanger so as to control a temperature of the heat exchanger.